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Drz

Bagel09

Bagel09

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Hey guys, looking at getting a DRZ 400SM. This bike would be my commuter bike, which means I'd be riding to work at 7:00 AM as well riding all the way up until December (or whenever it's unsafe to ride). My main concern is the bike being a carbureted bike. Anyone got some input with this bike? I currently have a EFI bike and cold starts are a breeze, I could technically start it and hop on without letting it warm up (which I don't).
 
Carbs are not a problem. Today was the first time ever using the choke on a motorcycle.
It was 9 degrees, my usual non-choke start didn't work so I had to fumble around to find the choke lol
 
Bagel09 said:
Hey guys, looking at getting a DRZ 400SM. This bike would be my commuter bike, which means I'd be riding to work at 7:00 AM as well riding all the way up until December (or whenever it's unsafe to ride). My main concern is the bike being a carbureted bike. Anyone got some input with this bike? I currently have a EFI bike and cold starts are a breeze, I could technically start it and hop on without letting it warm up (which I don't).
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I never had a problem starting my DRZ, did cold starts on it as low as maybe 2-4C. If you're going to do a lot of time on the highway for your commute you might want to look at something else.
 
DRZ air/fuel screw setting should be richened up from lean OEM setting regardless.......
 
espro said:
I never had a problem starting my DRZ, did cold starts on it as low as maybe 2-4C. If you're going to do a lot of time on the highway for your commute you might want to look at something else.
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Alright cool, thanks. As for the styling of the bike itself, I'm not one to travel long distances on highways. I'm sure its similar to a small 250, no wind protection at all and you get blown all over the place. The reason I'm liking the enduro/supermoto is:
-Off road (not looking for jumps but just dirt roads)
-Styling of the bike
-Wheelies (Closed course)
 
The carb is no problem. Most times the choke isn't needed and it's ready to ride by the time your gloves and helmet are on. It's fine on the highway... not exactly a rocket at highway speeds, but no problem passing.

The bike is very natural to ride and perfect for the city. The motocross style suspension eats up the rough roads around town.
 
Reliable , inexpensive , fun to throw around , cheap to insure , an industry of performance parts available , but (as stated) not great for long distances b/c the single cylinder engine vibrates , the seat is hard , no wind protection and not much power (32 wheelHP) . As for dirt riding , remember that it wears sportbike-style street tires on 17" rims which don't work so well off pavement . Maybe check out the dual-sport Suzuki DR650 which costs even less and has similar HP but more torque . Hope this helps .
 
nomo said:
Reliable , inexpensive , fun to throw around , cheap to insure , an industry of performance parts available , but (as stated) not great for long distances b/c the single cylinder engine vibrates , the seat is hard , no wind protection and not much power (32 wheelHP) . As for dirt riding , remember that it wears sportbike-style street tires on 17" rims which don't work so well off pavement . Maybe check out the dual-sport Suzuki DR650 which costs even less and has similar HP but more torque . Hope this helps .
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I agree with everything here, except for the part about looking at the DR650. Personally I would recommend the S model instead of the SM if you have any plans on offroading.
 
imnothng said:
I agree with everything here, except for the part about looking at the DR650. Personally I would recommend the S model instead of the SM if you have any plans on offroading.
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Inverted forks on the SM! I was planning on picking up a pair of dirt tires and rims if I decide to get a DRZ. I'd do about 90% on-road and 10% off road, oh and I'm not talking dirtbiking tracks. But anyway, thank you guys for the all the answers! Much appreciated.
 
You couldn't choose a better commuter bike. SM's have the perfect set up for our crappy roads; fun, handles great, high up seat for a good view of traffic.

You can also spend some $$ and have 2 sets of wheels for your bike, one for strictly off road. It's not cheap, but it will be like owning 2 bikes.
 
kruzuki said:
You couldn't choose a better commuter bike. SM's have the perfect set up for our crappy roads; fun, handles great, high up seat for a good view of traffic.

You can also spend some $$ and have 2 sets of wheels for your bike, one for strictly off road. It's not cheap, but it will be like owning 2 bikes.
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That's most likely the plan, I'm sure it doesnt take long to switch up a set of tires. I would buy rims and tires because I wouldn't want to scratch up the blue anodized rims on the DRZ.
Thanks for the feedback
 
One more good thing about the DRZ that I was thinking of today while caught in traffic on my Street Triple... The DRZ is a tall bike—perfect for seeing what is up ahead. I know that's a disadvantage to some, but I had no problem with the height.

One disadvantage is the seat. It has been described as a slightly more comfortable version of a 2x4.

I did buy a Corbin seat which is a little more comfortable. It also makes it lower, which I didn't care for—again, maybe a good thing for some. I still have the seat if anyone is interested.
 
It doesnt like to start in subzero temps but it will.

If you want to do any great amount of offroading grab a set of S/E rims for your SM. Takes 15 mins to swap and is dead easy. You should be able to get a set of S/E rims and SM rotors for around $500.

Great commuter/urban assault vehicle. You will thoroughly enjoy it.
 
cleaver said:
One disadvantage is the seat. It has been described as a slightly more comfortable version of a 2x4.

I did buy a Corbin seat which is a little more comfortable. It also makes it lower, which I didn't care for—again, maybe a good thing for some. I still have the seat if anyone is interested.
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The stock seat sucks and the Corbin sure as hell isn't 400$ better. Do not buy a Corbin, there are cheaper alternatives, especially for a DIY'er.
 
N3WMAN said:
It doesnt like to start in subzero temps but it will.

If you want to do any great amount of offroading grab a set of S/E rims for your SM. Takes 15 mins to swap and is dead easy. You should be able to get a set of S/E rims and SM rotors for around $500.

Great commuter/urban assault vehicle. You will thoroughly enjoy it.
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Awesome! Thanks N3wman for the info. That was my next question, and it's already answered. As for the height issue, I stand 5" 8". I've already sat on a stock DRZ SM, I felt comfortable on it. I could put my feet down and almost flat foot it. But, I feel comfortable enough to just keep my right foot on the rear brake and left foot down at stops. (What you're supposed to do anyway lol).
 
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